Wairimu Munyinyi-Wahome, Country Director Heifer International Kenya presents a cheque to Mukurweini Oil Enterprises Limited

by Ronald Njoroge

Youth Agritech Startups Secure Sh5.2 Million Boost to Scale Farm Innovations

Kenyan youth-led agritech startups have secured over Sh5.2 million ($40,000) in funding, marking a significant step toward scaling innovative solutions aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural sector

The partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Kenya through the Kenya Livestock Market Systems Project (KLMP) and the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC), reflects a growing shift toward commercially viable solutions, as noted by Joseph Murabula, CEO of KCIC “We are encouraged by the quality and ambition of the enterprises we have seen through this process,” he said. “What stands out is that these are not just ideas, but businesses that are responding to real farmer needs and showing the potential to scale. Through our work with Heifer International, we have seen how structured support, mentorship, and technical assistance can help young innovators move from concept to market readiness, and that is where real transformation begins.”

Mukurweini Oil Enterprises Limited took the largest share in the growth-stage category, winning $11,628 for its model of processing off-grade avocados into oil and other products, an approach designed to reduce waste while creating new income streams for farmers.

Other top performers in the growth-stage category included Bellfeeds, which placed second with $10,078, and Jolly Mushroom Enterprises, which took third place with $3,876. Zuphifarm finished fourth with $1,939.In the early-stage category, Dairy Sense won $6,202, followed by DroFarmer Ltd at $3,101, Soil Doctors Limited placed third with $2,326, while Chrisfa Poultry finished fourth with $1,938.“We are creating a market where none existed before,” said Mukurweini Oil Enterprises Limited co-founder Patrick Mutahi. “This support allows us to scale and reach more farmers.”DroFarmer CEO Ken Mbuki said the recognition would help accelerate partnerships. “Validation like this opens doors. It moves you from idea to implementation much faster,” he said.The competition, run by Heifer International, focuses on identifying and backing young innovators whose solutions can improve productivity, resilience, and incomes in Kenya’s agriculture sector, which employs a majority of the population.

The 2025–26 competition was implemented through a strategic partnership between the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) and Heifer International Kenya, demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing innovation in agriculture and climate resilience. The competition attracted a total of 486 applications from across the country, and following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, it has been narrowed down to the top 18 finalists.